Who Is The Accessibility Commission?
The Accessibility Commission is a group representatives from different areas across campus, including the Office of Access & Equity, Student Accessibility Services, Facilities, Parking and Transportation, Campus Planning, Libraries, CCIT, Creative Services, Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, the faculty body, the student body, and more. Each member have a passion for making sure that students, employees, and visitors with a diverse range of abilities have the tools and environments needed to be successful.
What Does The Accessibility Commission Do?
The Accessibility Commission promotes accessibility, equal opportunity, and quality of life for persons with disabilities by advising and making recommendations to Clemson University’s Council for Diversity and Inclusion (CUCDI) regarding all developments that could impact accessibility and the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and access. In some cases, members of the Commission are also involved in the implementation of these recommendations. Such implementations include:
- Providing enhanced access on campus to programs and facilities through wheelchair ramps, door openers, elevators, etc.
- Adding captions at home football and basketball games.
- Offering American Sign Language interpreters at applicable public events.
- Developing the Accessibility Web Portal which provides information about accessibility resources.
- Promoting and increasing awareness of accessibility.
To learn more about the Commission’s implementations and accomplishments, be on the look out for our next blog post, “5 Things You Didn’t Know The Accessibility Commission Did.”
When And How Did It Get Started?
As a way to reach Clemson University’s accessibility goals, President Barker established an Accessibility Task Force in 2010. Later, in November 2016, Lee Gill, Clemson University’s Chief Diversity Officer, commissioned the group to become the President’s Accessibility Commission, creating representation on the Council for Diversity and Inclusion.
Where Can I Get Involved?
If you would like to become a member of the Commission or would like to see additional representation from your area, please contact Priscilla Harrison. Members are encouraged to work in sub-committees throughout the year then share relevant progress reports and recommendations during Commission meetings held four times each year. If you think you are unable to participate in the Commission, but are interested in promoting accessibility, you can:
- Use the design standards and guides on the Accessibility Portal to design accessible objects, content, and environments.
- Increase accessibility awareness in your department or area of campus.
- Report accessibility barriers (physical and digital).
- Conduct your own accessibility-related research and share it with the Commission.
- Keep an eye on this blog and on the Accessibility Portal for additional opportunities to contribute and participate.
